Always interesting, often different

Having decided that I would explore the benefits of using essential oils, the first one I tried was a blend called Balance. It is an amazing mix of Spruce, Ho Wood, Blue Tansy, Frankincense and Blue Chamomile. For me it helps when I’m anxious or feel overwhelmed either by things that are going on in my life or what I need to do. I also use it when I’m going into stressful situations, such as meetings I know could be difficult. It helps to make me feel more grounded and keep things in perspective.

From buying Balance, I joined a Facebook group which is run by Rachel, the person who introduced me to dōTERRA. The group is a lovely safe place to chat on line with others who are also learning and Rachel posts some brilliant hints and tips.

One of the articles Rachel posted was about the pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of Copaiba. I began to wonder if it might help me as some people have found it helps to reduce the effects of neuropathy. I have quite bad neuropathy in both my feet as a result of trapped nerves in my spine.

I researched Copaiba online and discovered that it is derived from the resin of the copaiba tree which can grow upwards of more than 100 feet and can be found in tropical South America. Copaiba oil is widely used in cosmetic products including soaps, creams, lotions, and perfumes. Since the 16th century, copaiba essential oil has been utilized in traditional health practices by the natives of north and northeastern Brazil. Copaiba can help soothe anxious feelings and it can be applied to the skin to promote a clear, smooth complexion. Taken internally, Copaiba essential oil supports the health of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and respiratory systems. Although Copaiba does not contain psychoactive cannabinoids, the main component caryophyllene may be neuroprotective and have cardiovascular and immune benefits. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that promotes immune health.

All of which sounded good to me! But there was one problem, at the time dōTERRA only sold Copaiba in the US (it is now avaiable in the UK) and I didn’t have the contacts to buy any from there. I did discover another supplier who would ship direct from India, so I bought some and blended it with Frankincense, Oregano, and FCO (fractionated coconut oil). Having put the blend into a rollerball bottle I applied it onto the soles of my feet just before going to bed. I was amazed that during the night that I only woke once instead of several times and that the discomfort in my feet reduced considerably.

I can also get severe pain in my back, usually caused by muscular spasms. Usually I would take Valium to reduce the spasms, but I decided that next time I had a bad pain attack I would get my partner to put some directly onto my spine.

Essential oils work quickly, in 22 seconds the aroma reaches the brain, in 2 minutes they reach the blood stream and by 20 minutes they affect every cell in your body.

I was amazed that within 10 minutes the spasms in my back had reduced and by 20 mins they had gone completely. With conventional medication that would normally take at least 30 mins and often and hour and then it would often return again 1-2 hours later. Each time I used the Copaiba blend the spasms didn’t return.

The more reading I did the more I was concerned that the Copaiba I had bought really wasn’t pure enough. The oil smelt good, but it was very cloudy, and therapeutic grade oil should be clear and pure. Also it came with no certification or indication of what tests were done to ensure safety and purity. I needed to buy the genuine oil.

I was fortunate that I found a group on line where people swap dōTERRA oils or sell on their overstock. I found two sellers who were willing to ship to the UK and I was soon the proud owner of 4 bottles of Copaiba.

I now have the purest form of Copaiba, a certified therapeutic grade oil. I could begin to try to find out if ingesting the oil would enable me to reduce my use of Tramadol. Oils can be ingested by either drinking in water – 1-2 drops is all you need, or by making up your own capsules. I decided to try the capsules because they would be the easiest to carry around with me.

Empty gelatine capsules are easy to buy and I also got some capsule holders so that it was easy to fill them. With help from my partner I filled about 30 capsules. I used 2 drops of Copaiba and topped up,with 3-4 drops of FCO. I learned quickly that you need to make sure the capsule top clicks tight!

I then began to replace my lunch time dose of Tramadol with one capsule, that worked well and after a few days I replaced my evening dose with a Copaiba capsule. I have only had one pain spike in the last 4 weeks when I have needed Tramadol and that was after a fall.

So I am now taking 50% less Tramadol than previously. I doubt that my pain levels will allow me to completely come off Tramadol. But to have reduced my dose so much is wonderful. Essential Oils have made a massive and positive change in my life.